2015 Diwali Fest Kicks Off Today

The Diwali Celebration Society is proud to present DIWALI FEST from today, November 3 to Sunday, November 15 at various venues throughout Vancouver, Surrey, and Richmond.

In addition to this year's main events such as "Diwali Downtown Vancouver" on November 7 and "Diwali Downtown Surrey" on November 14, DIWALI FEST is pleased to expand the celebration into the Tri-Cities through a new partnership with the TriCity India Heritage Arts & Culture Society. As part of this initiative, DIWALI FEST will visit Port Moody for a Diwali Jhilmil (luncheon) on Sunday, November 1st at 11:30am at Aroma Indian Restaurant & Lounge (50 Queens Street). DIWALI FEST will also have a presence in Coquitlam at the Coquitlam Public Library's City Centre branch (1169 Pinetree Way). Artifacts, rangoli art, and writings about the significance of Diwali will be on display until November 13.

DIWALI FEST is also thrilled to partner with the Richmond Public Library to host Diwali Storytime and Diwali Workshop. Diwali Storytime will take place on November 10 at 10:30am at the Cambie branch (150 - 11590 Cambie Road) and share stories in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. A Diwali Workshop on the art of rangoli making is set for November 12 at 3:30pm. This interactive workshop is a free, family-friendly event and will take place in the Atrium of the Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate).

As with all cultures, food is an essential part of the Diwali holiday and DIWALI FEST invites you to get into the holiday spirit through exciting and tasty cooking demonstrations on November 3 and 15 at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews). Pink Chai Living's Raj Thandhi will prepare and serve traditional South Asian delicacies. Advance registration is required at diwalicooking.brownpapertickets.com.

Lastly, DIWALI FEST has teamed up with MRG Concerts West to present DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid (PDX) with TSPOON at The Biltmore Cabaret on Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00pm. Tickets are $15 in advance (plus applicable fees and service charges) and are available online at www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/985715.

Continuing with the artistic theme of "Unity in Diversity", DIWALI FEST aims to unite people from different cultures through celebratory events during the festival of Diwali and allow South Asian art forms to evolve through other cultural influences, while at the same time influencing others.

For more information on DIWALI FEST, including a complete list of events, visit www.diwalifest.ca.

Produced by the Diwali Celebration Society, DIWALI FEST is an annual South Asian arts & culture festival that celebrates the universal light that exists in everyone. This growing Vancouver event has shown increasing interest from the general public. Each year's festival engages dozens of artists in events across the city, the majority of which are open and free to the general public, by donation, or at affordably priced tickets.

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